Christina Aguilera is almost unrecognisable with barely-there makeup at AMAs

Christina Aguilera left Xtina at home, swapping her usual full face of makeup for a simple, subtle and almost au naturale look for her Whitney Houston tribute at the 2017 American Music Awards.

The singer, 36, blew audiences away with her stellar rendition of “Run to You” fromThe Bodyguardsoundtrack as part of the 25th-anniversary tribute of the Nov. 25, 1992, release. (Academy Award and Tony Award winnerViola Davisintroduced Aguilera’s performance.)

The fact that her performance was powerful was no surprise; however, her fresh-faced look – arguably her most minimal and unrecognisable yet – certainly was.

While many have come to know her for dramatic red lips and colourful eye makeup (not to mention fearless hair colours), the star opted to go more low-key for her return to the stage, rocking a nearly barefaced complexion, nude lip and slicked back blonde tresses.

Houston, who had long battled drug addiction, died tragically in 2012 at age 48, after accidentally drowning in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The late legend’s sister-in-law Pat Houston and her niece Rayah Houston were in attendance for the night’s tribute.